In a significant development aimed at stabilizing the volatile situation in the Gaza Strip, the United States has announced the deployment of approximately 200 troops to participate in a multinational force tasked with monitoring and supporting the implementation of a ceasefire in the region. The announcement, made by U.S. officials on Thursday, October 9, 2025, underscores Washington’s commitment to fostering peace in the conflict-ridden area while emphasizing that no American troops will be stationed inside Gaza itself.
According to one of the officials, who spoke to reporters on the condition of anonymity, the U.S. troops will not enter Gaza but will instead operate from an external location, the specifics of which are expected to be discussed during a meeting scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025. The official clarified that the troops’ initial role will involve establishing a “joint control center” to coordinate efforts with forces from other participating countries. This center will serve as a hub for communication and collaboration, ensuring that operations are synchronized and potential conflicts with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are avoided. The official explained, “They will be tasked initially with establishing an initial joint control center before working to integrate with forces from other countries to deconflict with the IDF, and then to build the right force structure that’s able to handle the missions as they are defined.”
The multinational effort, referred to as the “International Stabilization Force,” is part of a broader initiative to support a ceasefire agreement and facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, as outlined in a 20-point plan introduced by President Donald Trump on September 29, 2025. The plan, which has garnered cautious optimism from regional stakeholders, aims to bring an end to the longstanding conflict between Israel and Hamas, release hostages, and establish a new governance framework in Gaza. The U.S. troops, drawn from those already stationed under U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), will play a critical role in overseeing the ceasefire’s implementation and ensuring compliance with its terms.
Adm. Bradley Cooper, the commander of CENTCOM, will lead the oversight efforts, ensuring that there are no violations or incursions by any party involved. “Much of this is going to be oversight,” one official noted, highlighting the importance of maintaining impartiality and vigilance to prevent breaches of the ceasefire agreement. The official added that Adm. Cooper’s role will include observing operations and ensuring that all parties adhere to the agreed-upon terms, addressing concerns about potential mistrust between the conflicting sides.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt provided further details on the U.S. contribution, stating on the social media platform X that the 200 troops “are already stationed at CENTCOM” and will work alongside other international forces to monitor the peace agreement in Israel. Leavitt emphasized that the troops’ mission is focused on supporting the ceasefire and ensuring that the terms of the agreement are upheld, reinforcing the U.S.’s role as a mediator in the region.
The International Stabilization Force is being developed through consultations with multiple governments, reflecting a collaborative approach to addressing the complex challenges in Gaza. The force is expected to replace Israeli troops along what has been termed the “yellow line,” an area from which Israel is anticipated to withdraw as part of the initial phase of President Trump’s plan. The official elaborated, “And then there’ll be discussions, and then we’ll see if there really is a true pathway for, I think we’re using a decommissioning of the military installations in Gaza and the heavy arms in order to get that going.” This step is seen as a critical precursor to reducing militarization in the region and paving the way for long-term stability.
President Trump’s 20-point plan, announced on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, has been described as a comprehensive framework to address the Gaza conflict. The first phase includes a ceasefire, the release of all Israeli captives held in Gaza in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the entire Gaza Strip. The second phase focuses on establishing a new governance structure in Gaza, explicitly excluding Hamas, and creating a security force composed of Palestinian and Arab-Islamic troops. Additionally, the plan calls for the disarmament of Hamas and significant funding from Arab and Islamic countries to support the reconstruction of Gaza and the establishment of a new administration, with limited involvement from the Palestinian Authority.
While the plan has been broadly welcomed by Arab and Muslim countries, some officials have cautioned that many details require further discussion and negotiation to ensure successful implementation. The complexity of the situation, including longstanding tensions, competing interests, and logistical challenges, underscores the need for careful coordination and diplomacy. The U.S. official acknowledged these concerns, noting, “So that’s kind of what we’re working on right now, but I think more will come out over time. I think right now, we’re just focused on making sure any gaps are patched up in the agreement.”
The deployment of U.S. troops as part of the International Stabilization Force marks a significant step toward internationalizing efforts to stabilize Gaza and support the ceasefire process. By working alongside forces from other nations, the U.S. aims to contribute to a sustainable peace while avoiding direct involvement in the volatile territory. The establishment of the joint control center and the oversight role of CENTCOM reflect a strategic approach to ensuring that the ceasefire holds and that the broader objectives of the peace plan are realized.
The international community’s response to the plan and the deployment of the multinational force will be closely watched in the coming weeks, as discussions continue to refine the details of the agreement. The success of the initiative will depend on the ability of all parties to navigate the challenges of implementation, including building trust, ensuring security, and addressing the humanitarian needs of Gaza’s population. For now, the U.S. and its partners are focused on laying the groundwork for a stable and peaceful future in the region, with the hope that the ceasefire will serve as a foundation for lasting change.
As the situation evolves, further updates are expected to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the International Stabilization Force, as well as the progress of negotiations surrounding the governance and reconstruction of Gaza. The involvement of the U.S. military, while limited in scope, signals a renewed commitment to supporting peace efforts in the Middle East, with the aim of fostering a resolution that benefits all parties involved.
